Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

AlcoholAlcohol: According to secondary sources, the combined use of alcohol and Siberian ginseng may increase drowsiness. According to a review, Siberian ginseng may alter the serum concentrations of ethanol (80).

AlprazolamAlprazolam: According to a review and human research, Siberian ginseng does not appear to alter the pharmacokinetics of alprazolam, particularly through cytochrome P450 2D6 activity (77; 112). However, theoretically, Siberian ginseng may increase the risk of drowsiness due to its sedative effects (22).

AntidepressantsAntidepressants: According to a review, Siberian ginseng may alter the serum concentrations of antidepressants (80).

Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In human and animal research, Siberian ginseng or its constituents reduced plasma levels of glucose (48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 35; 55). However, increased postprandial plasma glucose has also been observed in other human research (14). The effects with antidiabetic agents are not well understood.

AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In vitro, Siberian ginseng has shown vasorelaxant effects (28). In human research, injection with Siberian ginseng resulted in decreased levels of plasma and urinary endothelin (116). In other human research, increased blood pressure and total peripheral resistance were seen with use of Siberian ginseng (43).

AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In animal and in vitro research, Siberian ginseng or its constituents have shown antitumor and antiproliferative effects (122; 123; 60; 124; 125; 6; 126; 81; 127). In human research, Siberian ginseng as part of a multi-ingredient herbal product increased some T cells, as well as IgG and IgM, in patients on chemotherapy (128). The breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of drug transporters and confers resistance to various anticancer drugs. In vitro, Siberian ginseng weakly inhibited BCRP-mediated transport of methotrexate (129).

AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, a liquid extract of Siberian ginseng inhibited the productive replication of RNA viruses, human rhinovirus (HRV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza A virus, with no effect on various DNA viruses, adenovirus, or herpes simplex type 1 virus (7). The effects of Siberian ginseng with antiviral agents are not well understood.

StimulantsStimulants: In mice, eleutherosides from Siberian ginseng alleviated both physical and mental fatigue (30). In animals, Siberian ginseng increased the time to exhaustion during exercise (87; 88; 89).

Anticoagulant and antiplateletsAnticoagulant and antiplatelets: In human research, exercise-induced increase of blood coagulation was reversed using Siberian ginseng (113). In animal research, Siberian ginseng has shown anticoagulant effects (46). In animal research, concomitant use of Kan Jang®, containing Siberian ginseng, and warfarin did not produce significant effects on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin (115).

AntidepressantsAntidepressants: According to a review, Siberian ginseng may alter the serum concentrations of antidepressants (80).

AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In animal and in vitro research, Siberian ginseng or its constituents have shown antitumor and antiproliferative effects (122; 123; 60; 124; 125; 6; 126). In human research, Siberian ginseng as part of a multi-ingredient plant product increased some T cells, as well as IgG and IgM, in patients on chemotherapy (128).

AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, a liquid extract of Siberian ginseng inhibited the productive replication of the RNA viruses, human rhinovirus (HRV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza A virus, with no effect on various DNA viruses, adenovirus, or herpes simplex type 1 virus (7). The effects with antiviral agents are not well understood.

Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Anecdotal evidence suggests that hormonal changes occur with use of Siberian ginseng; however, preliminary research suggests a lack of androgenicity (133). In vitro, Siberian ginseng bound to classical steroid receptors (91). In vitro, Siberian ginseng had a slight, but significant, inhibitory effect on estrone-3-sulfate uptake (76). In mice, a Siberian ginseng extract improved hair growth by restoring the number and activity of hair follicles by increasing testosterone levels (134).

HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In human and animal research, Siberian ginseng or its constituents reduced plasma levels of glucose (48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53). However, increased postprandial plasma glucose has also been observed in other human research (14). The effects with blood glucose-lowering agents are not well understood.

HypotensivesHypotensives: In vitro, Siberian ginseng has shown vasorelaxant effects (28). In human research, injection with Siberian ginseng resulted in decreased levels of plasma and urinary endothelin (116). In other human research, increased blood pressure and total peripheral resistance were seen with use of Siberian ginseng (43).

StimulantsStimulants: In mice, eleutherosides from Siberian ginseng alleviated both in physical and mental fatigue (30). In animals, Siberian ginseng increased the time to exhaustion during exercise (87; 88; 89).

Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In human and animal research, Siberian ginseng or its constituents reduced plasma levels of glucose (48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53). However, increased postprandial plasma glucose has also been observed in other human research (14).

Blood pressureBlood pressure: In vitro, Siberian ginseng has shown vasorelaxant effects (28). In human research, injection with Siberian ginseng resulted in decreased levels of plasma and urinary endothelin (116). In other human research, increased blood pressure and total peripheral resistance were seen with use of Siberian ginseng (43).

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.